EFTA01655916.pdf

From: FBI News Briefing To: "FBINewsBriefing_Draft" < Subject: [EXTERNAL EMAIL] - DRAFT: FBI Daily News Briefing - June 4, 2024 Date: Tue, 04 Jun 2024 09:00:02 +0000 Importance: Normal View in Browser Federal Bureau of Investigation June 04, 2024 Seal Federal Bureau of Investigation Daily News Briefing (In coordination with the Office of Public Affairs) Email Public Affairs to subscribe to the Daily News Briefing. Mobile version and archive available here. Table of Contents IN THE NEWS • Jury Is Chosen in Hunter Biden's Federal Firearms Case and Opening Statements Are Set for Tuesday • Fauci Testifies About COVID Pandemic Response at Heated House Hearing • Biden to Issue Executive Order on Southern Border, Limiting Asylum • Epoch Times Executive Accused of Laundering $67 Million COUNTERTERRORISM • FBI Previously Dismissed Claims Against British Bank Now Accused of Funding Terrorist Groups • Detroit Man Arrested and Charged After Attempting to Provide Money to ISIS COUNTERINTELLIGENCE • Russian Disinformation Network Targets EU Elections, Utilizes Al Tactics Noted by Director Wray • China Accuses U.K. of Recruiting Couple as Spies • House Committee Seeks Biden Admin Briefing on Biotech Firm GenScript Amid Concerns Over CCP Ties • Lawmakers Seek Status of Report From Biden Administration on Chinese Crane Threats at U.S. Ports CRIMINAL INVESTIGATIONS • Ex-U.S. Soldier Charged in 'International Crime Spree' Extradited From Ukraine, Officials Say • University of Michigan Regent's Law Firm Vandalized in Antisemitic Attack That Police Chief Calls 'Horrific' • Rookie Police Officer Who Was Fatally Shot in Arizona Died on Duty Like His Dad Did 18 Years Earlier • Continued Reporting: Aileen Cannon Hands Trump Deadline to Oppose Gag Order • Chicago Man Sent Dozens of Sextortion Victims, Family Members Threatening Messages EFTA01655916  • FBI Reports 700% Increase in Sextortion Schemes Targeting Teens Online • Los Angeles Shooter Who Commited Hate Crime Against Jewish Men Faces up to 40 Years in Prison • Continued Reporting: Retired 4-Star Admiral Arrested and Charged in Bribery Scheme • Prosecutors Ask Judge to Deny George Santos' Bid to Have Some Fraud Charges Dropped • Brian Laundrie's FBI File Reveals His 'Mania' Before Killing Gabby Petito • Continued Reporting: Crime Scene Analysts Testify in Trial of Woman Accused of Killing Boyfriend With SUV in Massachusetts • Minnesota Fraud Trial Juror Reports Getting Bag of $120,000 and Promise of More if She'll Acquit • FBI Searches Office Of National Apartment Developer Cortland In Connection With Antitrust Probe • Continued Reporting: Indiana Serial Killer's Home Was Littered With 10,000 Human Remains • Missing North Carolina Girl's Stepfather Convicted of Failing to Report Child's Disappearance CYBER DIVISION • NSA Chief Says China Readying Destructive Cyberattacks on Critical Infrastructure INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS • Continued Reporting: Search for Missing South Florida Woman in Spain Intensifies as FBI Works With Spanish Authorities CAPITOL VIOLENCE NEWS • The Proud Boys Are Back: How the Far-Right Group Is Rebuilding to Rally Behind Trump • Chicago Man Accused of Wielding Wasp Spray at Jan. 6 Capitol Riot Pleads Guilty • Illinois Man Charged With Felonies Three Years After Jan. 6 Capitol Riot • Three More Pennsylvania Men Arrested for Presence in Capitol During Jan. 6 Riots • Supreme Court Won't Review Jan. 6 Prison Sentence for Infowars Host • Oklahoma Army Veteran Admits Assaulting Officer Outside U.S. Capitol on Jan. 6, 2021 OTHER FBI NEWS • Republicans Recommend Defunding State and Local Prosecutors Engaged in Politicized 'Lawfare' • Massachusetts in Bottom Half of Country When It Comes to LGBTQ+ Safety, Study Shows • Trump Could Weaponize U.S. Surveillance in a Second Term, Former Intel Officers Warn OTHER WASHINGTON NEWS • Kilauea Eruption Prompts Red Alert on Hawaii's Big Island • Trump Hush Money Conviction Coverage • Biden Lays Into Trump Over Convictions and Says He Now Poses a Greater Threat Than in 2016 • Epstein Accuser Files Lawsuit Alleging Famed Psychiatrist Henry Jarecki Facilitated Sexual Abuse Line • Texas Supreme Court Declines to Expand Access to Emergency Abortions • Harvard's Largest Faculty Division Will No Longer Require Diversity Statements • Trump Almost Certainly Won't Go on Trial in Georgia This Year. Here's Why. • Dozens of Passengers on United Airlines Flight Mysteriously Fall III en Route to Texas • Boston Lawmakers Considering Defunding Police for Third Year in a Row Draws Outrage WASHINGTON SCHEDULE EFTA01655917 IN THE NEWS Jury Is Chosen in Hunter Biden's Federal Firearms Case and Opening Statements Are Set for Tuesday The Associated Press (06/03, Lauer, Kunzelman, et al.) and Reuters (06/03, Hals) reported that a jury was seated Monday in the federal gun case against President Joe Biden's son Hunter after prospective panelists were questioned about their thoughts on gun rights and drug addiction while the first lady watched from the front row of the courtroom. According to the articles, opening statements were set to begin Tuesday after the jurors — six men and six women plus four women serving as alternates — were instructed by Judge Maryellen Noreika not to talk or read about the case. The articles explained that Biden is charged with three felonies stemming from a 2018 firearm purchase. He has been accused of lying to a federally licensed gun dealer, making a false claim on the application by saying he was not a drug user and illegally having the gun for 11days. The articles added that the case is going to trial following the collapse of a plea deal that would have avoided the spectacle of a trial so close to the 2024 election. Hunter Biden has pleaded not guilty and has argued he's being unfairly targeted by the Justice Department after Republicans decried the now-defunct plea deal as special treatment for the Democratic president's son. Axios (06/03, Habeshian) noted that the first witness for the prosecution will be a special agent from the FBI who worked on Biden's case. Additional reporting on the story was provided by BBC (06/03, Debusmann Jr.), NBC News (06/03, Grumbach, Fitzpatrick, et al.), New York Times (06/03, Thrush, Sullivan), Al Jazeera (06/03, Staff Writer), Washington Post (06/03, Staff Writer), U.S. News (06/03, Mathur-Ashton), CNN (06/03, Cohen, Lybrand), Politico (06/03, Swan, Schreckinger), USA Today (06/03, Wilson, Ramaswamy, et al.), CBS News (06/03, Brown, MacFarlane), Fox News (06/03, Hagstrom, Miller, etc.), Wall Street Journal (06/03, Barber, Linskey), Time (06/03, Bennett, Popli), Washington Examiner (06/03, Oliver), Forbes (06/03, Dorn), and ABC News (06/03, Bruggeman, Rubin, et al.). Fauci Testifies About COVID Pandemic Response at Heated House Hearing The Associated Press (06/03, Neergaard) and the Wall Street Journal (06/03, McKay) reported that Dr. Anthony Fauci, the former top U.S. infectious disease expert who departed from government service in 2022, appeared before Congress on Monday to address claims made by Republican representatives regarding the alleged concealment of COVID-19 pandemic origins. According to the information, Fauci strongly refuted the allegations as "simply preposterous." He also refuted conducting government business via private email, although he did acknowledge the misconduct of his senior adviser, Dr. David Morens. Moreover, during his testimony before the House's Select Subcommittee on the Coronavirus Pandemic, Fauci expressed receptiveness to the origins of the virus, emphasizing that viruses used in NIH-funded research in China were sufficiently distinct from the pandemic virus, SARS-CoV-2, precluding-the-possibility-of-evolution. Fauci clarified that he did not endeavor to suppress or discourage investigation into the pandemic virus's potential laboratory origin, nor did he make any editorial interventions in a paper advocating the virus's natural, rather than laboratory, origins. Despite having previously testified behind closed doors for 14 hours over two days in January, Fauci voluntarily provided public, on-camera testimony during a session that quickly devolved into partisan critiques. The story was also reported on by ABC News (06/03, Parkinson, Haslett), Washington Examiner (06/03, Willis), Axios (06/03, Rubin), CBS News (06/03, Hubbard, Tin), Fox News (06/03, Wallace), CNN (06/03, Christensen, Hammond, Radford, et al.), NBC News (06/03, Bendix, Vitali, Zadrozny), the New York Times (06/03, Mueller, Stolberg), Washington Times (06/03, Dinan), Politico (06/03, Paun), Reuters (06/03, Aboulenein), and the Washington Post (06/03, Diamond). Biden to Issue Executive Order on Southern Border, Limiting Asylum The Associated Press (06/03, Kim, Groves, Long) and the Wall Street Journal (06/03, Hackman, Parti) reported that President Biden is expected to sign an executive order on Tuesday to prevent individuals who unlawfully cross the southern border from seeking asylum once the average daily encounters reach 2,500 between entry points. The border will only reopen for asylum claims once the daily number of encounters drops to 1,500. The articles explained that the action is designed to address voter dissatisfaction with immigration management before the presidential election. The articles added that President Biden has resolved to proceed with the order despite receiving counsel from legal and operational advisors who think a legal challenge is likely. The articles also noted that substantial financial support will be required from Congress for full implementation. Biden is expected to unveil the actions at the White House on Tuesday at an event to which border mayors have been invited. The story was also reported on by ABC News (06/03, Scott, Barr), Axios (06/03, Kight, Nichols), BBC (06/03, Debusmann), EFTA01655918 Bloomberg (06/03, Wingrove, Wasson), CBS News (06/03, Montoya-Galvez), CNN (06/03, Alvarez, Lee, Saenz), Fox News (06/03, Heckman), The Guardian (06/03, Tait), NBC News (06/03, Alba, Tsirkin, Ainsley), the New York Times (06/03, Aleaziz, Kanno-Youngs), Politico (06/03, Ward, Haberkorn), USA TODAY (06/03, Chambers, Villagran), and the Washington Post (06/03, Miroff, Olorunnipa). Epoch Times Executive Accused of Laundering $67 Million The New York Times (06/03, Bensinger, Homans) reported that Weidong Guan, a top executive at The Epoch Times, was arrested and charged with laundering at least $67 million through the company's accounts. According to the article, he faces three counts, including money laundering and bank fraud, with allegations that he boosted the company's revenue by nearly 400% by using funds obtained from fraudulent unemployment benefits and other illicit activities. The Justice Department emphasized the operation did not concern the media company's journalistic activities, but highlighted the severe impact of Guan's actions on the integrity of the U.S. financial system. The press release noted that this prosecution is part of an Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces ("OCDETF") operation. "OCDETF identifies, disrupts, and dismantles high-level criminal organizations using a prosecutor-led, intelligence-driven, multi-agency approach," the press release explained. Additional reporting on the story was provided by The Daily Beast (06/03, Baragona), Business Insider (06/03, Newsham), New York Magazine (06/03, Stieb), Bloomberg Law (06/03, Wilson), CNBC (06/03, Breuninger), The Guardian (06/03, Luscombe), UPI (06/03, Walsh), Daily Caller (06/03, Angela), The Hill (06/03, Nazzaro), Rolling Stone (06/03, Madarang), Courthouse News (06/03, Uebelacker), NPR (06/03, Joffe-Block), and Law360 (06/03, Weld). Back to Top COUNTERTERRORISM FBI Previously Dismissed Claims Against British Bank Now Accused of Funding Terrorist Groups The BBC (06/03, Staff Writer) reported that Standard Chartered, a major UK bank, allegedly conducted transactions amounting to over $100 billion that breached sanctions against Iran from 2008 to 2013, according to new U.S. court documents. These transactions reportedly supported entities like Hezbollah, Hamas, al-Qaeda, and the Taliban, with independent expert David Scantling identifying $9.6 billion in transactions linked to these terrorist groups. The article explained that the bank has twice admitted breaching sanctions against Iran and other countries - first in 2012 and then in 2019 - paying fines totaling more than $1.7bn. However it has not admitted to conducting transactions for "terrorist" organizations. The article added that in 2019, the FBI and other U.S. authorities applied to have their case against the bank dismissed, with an FBI agent stating in court that nothing "indicated or suggested that the bank had engaged in improper US dollar transactions" after 2007. The article noted that both the FBI and the DOJ have declined to comment on these latest disclosures. Detroit Man Arrested and Charged After Attempting to Provide Money to ISIS Homeland Security Today (06/03, Seldon) reported that Jibreel Pratt, a 25-year-old from Detroit, was arrested and charged with attempting to provide material support to ISIS, a designated foreign terrorist organization. According to the article, the arrest followed an indictment detailing Pratt's efforts to send currency to ISIS in March and May of 2023. U.S. Attorney Dawn N. Ison emphasized the gravity of the charges, stating, "The indictment alleges that the defendant attempted to support and join ISIS, which is one of the most brutal terrorist organizations in the world. These charges reflect our commitment to hold accountable anyone who tries to help terrorists." Adding to this, FBI Special Agent Cheyvoryea Gibson highlighted the coordinated efforts to thwart such threats, "The protection of the American people and our communities remains a top priority for the FBI. Through joint and coordinated efforts by our law enforcement and intelligence partners, and vigilant citizens, we will continue to disrupt plots by those who desire to harm others on behalf of a foreign terrorist organization. I would like to thank our Joint Terrorism Task Force for their work in this investigation and for their steadfast commitment to protecting our nation." The article noted that Pratt faces up to 20 years in prison per charge if convicted. Back to Top COUNTERINTELLIGENCE Russian Disinformation Network Targets EU Elections, Utilizes Al Tactics Noted by Director Wray EFTA01655919 CBS News (06/03, Delzer) reported that a growing Russian disinformation network is targeting European Union countries ahead of the EU Parliament elections scheduled for June, researchers say, largely focused on spreading false claims about the war in Ukraine and political leaders who are critical of Russia. According to the article, the disinformation network, which operates under the "Pravda" name and masquerades as news websites, is now targeting all 27 EU countries with its content. Researchers from the European Digital Media Observatory say the network's use of artificial intelligence to produce high volumes of content provides an insight into Russia's disinformation tactics ahead of the U.S. presidential election. The article added that Darren Linvill, a professor at Clemson University in South Carolina who specializes in social media disinformation research, told CBS News that Russian disinformation tactics have evolved. "Russians are masters at narrative laundering, the process of placing a false or misleading story and then weaving it into online conversations in such a way that the original source is obscured," he said. "They will discredit institutions, undermine the legitimacy of the democratic process, and attack moderate political candidates, both Democrat and Republican, in an attempt to drive further extremism," he said. The article noted that U.S. agencies have increasingly warned of the usage of generative Al by foreign actors to attempt to influence the 2024 election. Advances in generative Al are lowering the barrier to entry for U.S. adversaries including Russia to spread disinformation, Director Wray said in February, while also making their tactics "more realistic and difficult to detect." China Accuses U.K. of Recruiting Couple as Spies The Wall Street Journal (06/03, Wong) reported that China's Ministry of State Security (MSS) has accused British intelligence, MI6, of recruiting a Chinese couple as spies, claiming the couple gathered sensitive information from key state agencies. The couple, identified only by their surnames Wang and Zhou, allegedly began spying for the U.K. after Wang was targeted by MI6 during his application to study in the U.K. in 2015. According to the article, this case is part of a broader public campaign by China to highlight espionage activities, using social media to expose alleged Western spying efforts. The MSS described the recruitment of the couple as "uprooting a major 'nail' that the British had implanted within" the Chinese government but did not disclose further details about their identities or the specific agencies involved. The U.K. has not commented on these allegations, which come amid heightened tensions and mutual accusations of spying between China and Western countries. The article added that Washington has also stepped up warnings against Chinese espionage, describing Beijing as a major source of spying and cyber threats against the U.S. In February, Director Wray said Beijing's efforts to covertly plant offensive malware inside critical infrastructure networks are at "a scale greater than we'd seen before." House Committee Seeks Biden Admin Briefing on Biotech Firm GenScript Amid Concerns Over CCP Ties Axios (06/03, Sullivan, Snyder) reported that the House Select Committee on the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) has requested a briefing from the Biden administration concerning GenScript, a biotech company, to evaluate its connections with the CCP and potential risks to the U.S. According to the article, the committee's request to Director Wray and Director of National Intelligence Avril Haines indicates possible expansions to the Biosecure Act, which aims to restrict U.S. government funding to companies with CCP ties. The Committee, led by Chair John Moolenaar and Democrat Raja Krishnamoorthi, expressed concerns over GenScript's potential role in creating strategic vulnerabilities in critical biotech sectors where the U.S. is a leader. The article noted that despite allegations of close ties with the CCP, GenScript insists on its independence and readiness to clarify its operations to the committee. The Biosecure Act, part of which targets GenScript, is set to be considered in the upcoming House vote on the defense authorization bill. Lawmakers Seek Status of Report From Biden Administration on Chinese Crane Threats at U.S. Ports The Epoch Times (06/03, Pan) reported that U.S. lawmakers, specifically Sen. Rick Scott and Rep. Carlos Gimenez, are pressing the Biden administration for updates on a report concerning the national security risks posed by China-manufactured cranes at U.S. ports. According to the article, these cranes, made by Shanghai Zhenhua Heavy Industries Co. Ltd. (ZPMC), are alleged to contain hidden communication equipment, posing espionage risks. This concern was heightened by the discovery of intelligence-gathering equipment on a cargo ship delivering ZPMC cranes to Baltimore port, identified by the FBI in 2021. The article noted that the report in question, required by the Fiscal Year 2023 National Defense Authorization Act, was overdue as of the end of May 2023. Back to Top CRIMINAL INVESTIGATIONS EFTA01655920 Ex-U.S. Soldier Charged in 'International Crime Spree' Extradited From Ukraine, Officials Say The Associated Press (06/03, Mattise) reported that a former U.S. soldier had been extradited from Ukraine on years-old charges that he went on an alleged "international crime spree including the 2018 killings and robbery of a couple in Florida to fund travel plans to Venezuela to wage military-style raids against its government, federal prosecutors announced Monday. The article added that authorities noted that 34-year-old Craig Austin Lang had faced federal indictments in Florida, North Carolina, and Arizona since 2019. The FBI brought Lang from Ukraine to the United States after the European Court of Human Rights rejected his claim challenging extradition, the release said. Lang, a U.S. citizen from Surprise, Arizona, pleaded not guilty in Florida on Monday, according to court documents. A DOJ press release quoted Executive Assistant Director Timothy Langan of the FBI's Criminal, Cyber, Response, and Services Branch, who said, "The alleged conduct of Craig Austin Lang, which includes homicide and armed robbery, will not be tolerated by the FBI, individuals that engage in such activity must face the consequences of their actions. We would like to thank our partner law enforcement agencies for their efforts in ensuring that criminals face justice. If you cause harm to the American public, we will relentlessly pursue you even if you are located beyond our borders." The New York Post (06/03, Gibbon), and BBC (06/03, Cabral) also reported on the story. University of Michigan Regent's Law Firm Vandalized in Antisemitic Attack That Police Chief Calls 'Horrific' The Associated Press (06/03, Williams) reported that pro-Palestinian graffiti spray-painted on the exterior of a Michigan law firm is being investigated as a hate crime, police in suburban Detroit said Monday. University of Michigan regent and attorney Jordan Acker called the vandalism "antisemitic" and said staff at the Goodman Acker law firm's Southfield headquarters discovered it Monday morning. According to the article, splotches of red paint were left on the "Goodman Acker" sign above the building's doors. "FREE PALESTINE" was spray-painted in black upon the building's walls, while "DIVEST NOW" and "U-M KILLS" — a reference to the University of Michigan — were spray-painted in red upon at least one window and a sidewalk. Southfield Police Chief Elvin Barren said investigators believe the graffiti was left between 1:39 and 1:46 a.m. Monday. The FBI and other agencies are assisting in the investigation. CNN (06/03, Watson), M Live (06/03, Dodge), Business Insider (06/03, Goodwin), CBS News (06/03, Staff Writer), Michigan Daily (06/03, Baum), and the Detroit News (06/03, Mackay) also reported on the story. Rookie Police Officer Who Was Fatally Shot in Arizona Died on Duty Like His Dad Did 18 Years Earlier The Associated Press (06/03, Staff Writer) reported that Joshua Briese grew up in Montana wanting to work in law enforcement, just like his dad. He wasn't deterred even after his father died while on duty at age 38 in 2006. The article noted that Briese recently joined the Gila River Police Department, south of Phoenix, as a tribal police officer. He was still in field training and had been with the department for less than a year when he died Saturday while on duty, just like his dad. The 23-year-old was fatally shot in the pre-dawn hours Saturday while responding to a reported disturbance at a house party, according to the Gila River Indian Community. The article added that police said multiple gunshots were fired, striking Briese and another tribal police officer. The second officer was seriously injured but survived, police said. Four other people were also wounded, according to police, including one who later died. The other victims weren't immediately identified. The FBI in Phoenix said two suspects in the shooting, a man and a boy, were in custody, but no other information has been released. NBC News (06/03, Smith), Fox News (06/03, Coulter), and Arizona's Family (06/03, Bradley, Dominguez) also reported on the story. Continued Reporting: Aileen Cannon Hands Trump Deadline to Oppose Gag Order Newsweek (06/03, Fung) reported that U.S. District Judge Aileen Cannon has given former President Donald Trump's lawyers a deadline to oppose the gag order that special counsel Jack Smith is pushing for in the classified documents case. The article noted that in a Sunday paperless order, Cannon, the Trump appointee overseeing the former president's classified documents case in Florida, set a mid-June deadline for Trump's legal team to respond to Smith's motion asking Cannon to modify Trump's bond conditions. The article mentioned that Smith has insisted that the judge impose a gag order on Trump, arguing that it is a necessary measure to protect law enforcement agents from the "significant, imminent, and foreseeable danger" that comes from the former president's public remarks. The article stated that Smith filed the motion on May 24, but Cannon had dismissed it after Trump's lawyers complained that the special counsel rushed to do so. She agreed that Smith failed to confer with the defense in a "meaningful" way and criticized the prosecution's filing for "wholly lacking in substance and professional courtesy." It was dismissed without prejudice, leading Smith to renew his efforts on Friday. Courthouse News Service (06/03, Garrison) also reported on the story. EFTA01655921 Chicago Man Sent Dozens of Sextortion Victims, Family Members Threatening Messages Fox News (06/03, Eberhart) reported that a Chicago man admitted to targeting "dozens" of gay men in a cyberstalking and sextortion scheme and threatened to expose their concealed sexual orientation and leak their explicit photos. Court documents detail Omoruyi Uwadiae's interactions with eight unnamed victims, but federal prosecutors said there are many other unknown victims of Udawiae, who pleaded guilty in a federal case on May 22. In one instance, Uwadiae sent a victim's images to his mom, court documents say. In other incidents, he sent the victims' photos to their brother and sister. The article added that he used several different bogus accounts on apps like Grindr, Instagram, and Snapchat, among other apps, to convince his targets to send him explicit photos, which he used as blackmail, court records show. The article noted that Uwadie "demanded money from some victims," federal prosecutors said in a press release. "From others, he demanded they meet him, have sex with him, or make damaging admissions such as admissions that they were racist." The article quoted Special Agent in Charge Douglas DePodesta, who said, "The FBI has seen a horrific increase in reports of financial sextortion schemes, protecting children is one of the highest priorities of the FBI. We need parents and caregivers to work with us to prevent this crime before it happens and help children come forward if it does." A DO1 press release noted that the case was investigated by the FBI and the Columbus Division of Police. FBI Reports 700% Increase in Sextortion Schemes Targeting Teens Online Atlanta News First (06/03, Kousouris) reported that the FBI defines sextortion as a crime involving someone threatening to distribute another person's private and sensitive material. According to the federal agency, sextortion cases are up 700% since 2021. The average victim is between 10 and 17 years old but can be as young as seven years old, according to investigators. More boys fall victim. The article added that Jacinta Miller, the Supervisory Special Agent over the Violent Crimes Against Children Squad, said these criminals target kids on social media apps and video games. The article quoted Miller, who said, "It's not only financial. We see a huge chunk of financial extortion after the child has produced the sexual image or video, but it could extend to harm to people close to them, or their friends or pets in the house, things like that, and it propagates from the shame that the child feels from not being able to talk to a trusted adult, a parent or guardian, or something like that. And then they're enticed to do more and more things because the perpetrator online has now said, Well, I'm going to release this to your parents. I'm going to release this to your friends?' The article mentioned that Chief of the Human Trafficking Unit at the Attorney General's Office Hannah Palmquist hopes a new law will give prosecutors a chance to put more criminals behind bars and discourage anyone from committing sextortion crimes. The proposed law would make it a felony if someone tried to groom a child online or if they had any explicit photos or videos of children. Los Angeles Shooter Who Commited Hate Crime Against Jewish Men Faces up to 40 Years in Prison CBS News (06/03, Wenzke) reported that a man who shot and wounded two Jewish men in West Los Angeles pleaded guilty Monday to federal hate crime charges and faces up to 40 years in prison. Jaime Tran, 29, admitted in a plea deal to opening fire on the two men as they left religious services in the Pico-Robertson district on two separate occasions, shooting the first victim in the back on Feb. 15 and targeting the second victim the following day, according to the U.S. Attorney's Office for the Central District of California. Both victims were wearing yarmulkes at the time and the plea agreement signed by Tran states he told investigators he chose the men based on their "head gear." Tran also admitted in the plea deal that he searched online for "kosher markets" before the crimes. A DOJ press release quoted Krysti Hawkins, the acting Assistant Director of the FBI's Los Angeles Field Office, who said, "The defendant's hatred led him to plan the murder of two innocent victims simply because he believed they were practicing their Jewish faith, I'm relieved that the hard work by investigators and prosecutors led to Iran's admission to these abhorrent crimes, and hope that members of the Jewish community take some solace in knowing that he will not be in the position to target their fellow members." Continued Reporting: Retired 4-Star Admiral Arrested and Charged in Bribery Scheme The Epoch Times (06/03, Morgan) reported that the DO1 has charged a retired four-star U.S. Navy admiral with agreeing to help steer a military contract to a private firm in exchange for a $500,000-per-year job after retiring from the Navy. The article added that the DOJ arrested retired Adm. Robert Burke, 62, of Coconut Creek, Florida, on May 31, along with business executives Yongchul "Charlie" Kim and Meghan Messenger, on bribery charges. The article noted that all three defendants are charged with conspiracy to commit bribery and bribery. Adm. Burke is also charged with performing acts affecting a personal financial interest and concealing material facts from the United States. The two business executives face a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison, while the retired Navy admiral faces up to 30 years. A DOJ press release quoted FBI Special Agent in Charge David J. Scott of the EFTA01655922 Criminal/Cyber Division of the Washington Field Office, who said, Burke allegedly steered a lucrative contract to Kim and Messenger's company in exchange for the promise of future employment and then lied to try to conceal the scheme, as a four-star admiral, Burke not only cheated U.S. taxpayers but also did a disservice to military personnel under his command. As this indictment demonstrates, the FBI and our partners remain committed to investigating and prosecuting corrupt officials regardless of their rank or title." Prosecutors Ask Judge to Deny George Santos' Bid to Have Some Fraud Charges Dropped The Associated Press (06/03, Marcelo) reported that federal prosecutors are asking a judge to reject former U.S. Rep. George Santos' bid to have some of the fraud charges against him dropped as his trial approaches. The New York Republican, who last year became only the sixth lawmaker in history to be expelled from the U.S. House of Representatives, has requested that a judge dismiss three of the 23 charges against him. The article added that Santos faces a slew of criminal charges, including allegations that he defrauded campaign donors, lied to Congress about his wealth, received unemployment benefits while employed, and used campaign contributions to pay for personal expenses like designer clothing. He pleaded not guilty to a revised indictment in October. But in court filings last month, Santos' lawyers argued that the aggravated identity theft charges should be dropped because he has not been accused of obtaining credit card information from donors unlawfully, but simply for overcharging them. Prosecutors, in legal filings on Friday, dismissed Santos' request as "meritless." They said they'll show at trial how he used the identities of his donors to fraudulently and deceptively evade federal campaign finance laws. The New York Daily News (06/03, Annese) also reported on the story. Brian Laundrie's FBI File Reveals His 'Mania' Before Killing Gabby Petito The New York Post (06/03, Morphet, Reyes) reported that murderer Brian Laundrie poured his inner thoughts onto paper, scrawling notes about his "mania" and doodling skull graphics with the words "Trust no one" and "Kill," new FBI files reveal. According to the article, the writings and other evidence were photographed by the agency during a raid of the Laundrie family home after the body of Gabby Petito, the girlfriend he murdered, was found dumped in a remote Wyoming camping area in September 2021. Brian Stewart, the Petito family's lawyer, said he was shocked by 23-year-old Brian's scrawlings and other chilling evidence recovered by officials from the Laundries' Florida residence before Brian was found dead by suicide in a nearby national park. Along with the drawing, the FBI's search also turned up notebooks belonging to Petito, as well as hundreds of bullets, several magazines, and a bill of sale and handbooks for Ruger .380 and Glock 49mm pistols. The Independent (06/03, Cavallier) also reported on the story. Continued Reporting: Crime Scene Analysts Testify in Trial of Woman Accused of Killing Boyfriend With SUV in Massachusetts The Associated Press (06/03, Ramer) reported that crime scene analysts testified Monday about the SUV prosecutors say a Massachusetts woman was driving more than two years ago when she backed into her Boston police officer boyfriend and left him to die in a snowbank. Karen Read is charged with second-degree murder in the January 2022 death of John O'Keefe. Prosecutors say she dropped him off at a house party hosted by a fellow officer in Canton, Massachusetts, after a night of drinking, struck him with her SUV and then drove away. The defense has said Read was framed by someone who beat O'Keefe inside the home and that the homeowner's relationship with local and state police tainted the investigation. According to the article, as the highly publicized trial entered its sixth week, jurors heard from several state police forensic scientists, including Maureen Hartnett, who examined Read's vehicle a few days after O'Keefe's death. She observed a dent in the trunk door, scratches on the rear bumper, and a broken taillight, as well as what appeared to be a hair next to the taillight and pieces of glass on the bumper. The hair and a swab used on the taillight were sent to outside labs for DNA testing, said Harnett, who also analyzed O'Keefe's clothing. The article noted that Read's attorney suggested the glass and hair may have been planted. Alan Jackson asked Hartnett if those items were "just sitting" or "perched" on the SUV despite the fact that the SUV had been driven or towed roughly 50 miles in a snowstorm. She agreed with his characterization of the items' placement but declined to speculate about the travel involved. Newsweek (06/03, Mayer) also reported on the story. Minnesota Fraud Trial Juror Reports Getting Bag of $120,000 and Promise of More if She'll Acquit The Associated Press (06/03, Staff Writer) reported that a juror was dismissed Monday after reporting that a woman dropped a bag of $120,000 in cash at her home and offered her more money if she would vote to acquit seven people charged with stealing more than $40 million from a program meant to feed children during the pandemic. The article added that these seven are the first of 70 defendants expected to go to trial in a conspiracy EFTA01655923 that cost taxpayers $250 million. Eighteen others have pleaded guilty, and authorities said they recovered about $50 million in one of the nation's largest pandemic-related fraud cases. Prosecutors say just a fraction of the money went to feed low-income kids, while the rest was spent on luxury cars, jewelry, travel, and property. The article mentioned that during the trial that began in April, defense attorneys questioned the quality of the FBI's investigation and suggested that this might be more of a case of record-keeping problems than fraud as these defendants sought to keep up with rapidly changing rules for the food aid program. These seven initial defendants were affiliated with a restaurant that participated in the food aid program. Those still awaiting trial include Feeding our Future's founder Aimee Bock, who has pleaded not guilty and denied any wrongdoing. The article stated that the 23-year-old juror said she immediately turned over the bag of cash to police. She said a woman left it with her father-in-law Sunday with the message that she'd get another bag of cash if she voted to acquit. The Independent (06/03, Baio), Daily Beast (06/03, McDougall), and New York Post (06/03, Oliveira) also reported on the story. FBI Searches Office Of National Apartment Developer Cortland In Connection With Antitrust Probe BISNOW (06/03, Armbrister) reported that national apartment developer Cortland Management's Atlanta office was searched by the FBI under a limited search warrant, a representative for Cortland confirmed. The article added that the warrant was connected to an investigation by the DOJ into potential antitrust violations in the multifamily housing industry, according to a statement from Cortland. According to the article, the DOJ is investigating multifamily software company RealPage and some large property owners in connection with allegations of price- fixing. The DOJ in March expanded the probe, opening a criminal investigation in addition to the civil proceedings. Continued Reporting: Indiana Serial Killer's Home Was Littered With 10,000 Human Remains The Independent (06/03, McHardy) reported that a man who was reported missing in 1993 has been named as a victim of an Indiana serial killer whose property was found littered with 10,000 "burnt and crushed" skeletal remains. Herb Baumeister, a successful businessman who was a married father of three children, is believed to have killed at least 25 people between the late 1980s and the early 1990s. He hunted mostly gay men in the Indianapolis suburb of Westfield, Indiana, where he lived on an 18-acre property known as Fox Hollow Farm. Four decades after Baumeister started his killing spree, authorities have finally begun naming his victims, with Jeffrey A. Jones, who disappeared in 1993, becoming the latest to be identified by the Hamilton County Coroner's Office. The article noted that Jones was identified after scientists developed a DNA profile for him using Genome Sequencing Othram, which is the largest forensic genetic genealogy lab in the country, said in a statement. The article quoted the statement, which said, "After successfully completing the process, the DNA profile was delivered to the FBI's forensic genetic genealogy team and the FBI team performed the necessary genealogical research to generate new investigative leads in the case," The article added that a 2005 report by the FBI said Baumeister led a double life while he was alive — one as a seemingly ordinary husband and father who went to work and came home, and another as a serial killer who went by the fake name of "Brian Smart" and kidnapped and killed mostly young, gay men whom he met in bars. Missing North Carolina Girl's Stepfather Convicted of Failing to Report Child's Disappearance Fox News (06/03, Conklin) reported that a North Carolina jury on May 31 found Christopher Palmiter, stepfather of missing Cornelius girl Madalina Cojocari, guilty of failure to report the disappearance of a child to law enforcement. The Mecklenburg County jury took 15 minutes after Palmiter's weeklong trial to reach a verdict. The article added that Madalina was last seen getting off a school bus in her hometown of Cornelius, just north of Charlotte, on Nov. 21, 2022, when she was 11years old. Authorities have been unable to locate her since. The article noted that her mother, Diana Cojocari, pleaded guilty last month to the same charge as Palmiter. Diana, a Moldova native, and Pamliter did not report the 11-year-old girl missing to police until weeks later on Dec. 15, 2022, despite telling police the last time they saw their daughter was at home the evening of Nov. 23, 2022. The article mentioned that Palmiter's defense attorneys argued that Diana manipulated him and made him believe his stepdaughter was safe at the time of her disappearance. Prosecutors, however, included testimony from an FBI analyst, who presented phone and email evidence that suggested Palmiter knew Madalina was missing yet did not report her disappearance to authorities. Back to Top CYBER DIVISION NSA Chief Says China Readying Destructive Cyberattacks on Critical Infrastructure EFTA01655924 The Washington Times (06/03, Gertz) reported that NSA Director Air Force Gen. Timothy Haugh has warned of potential destructive cyberattacks by Chinese operatives on U.S. critical infrastructure. According to the article, these operatives, part of the "Volt Typhoon" cyber targeting program, are suspected to have infiltrated networks controlling vital systems such as water on Guam and other sectors, positioning cyber tools for large-scale sabotage in future conflicts. The article noted that this preparation involves techniques that pose no intelligence-gathering value, indicating a shift towards potential offensive actions aimed at causing significant societal disruption during any escalated disputes, especially concerning territorial tensions over Taiwan and the South China Sea. The article also noted that Director Wray warned in a recent speech on the infrastructure intrusions. The FBI shut down Volt Typhoon hackers who had obtained long-term access to the control networks, he said. Back to Top INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS Continued Reporting: Search for Missing South Florida Woman in Spain Intensifies as FBI Works With Spanish Authorities WSVN (Fox-7) (06/03, Staff Writer) reported that the search intensified for a South Florida woman who went missing in Spain earlier this year. The Spanish National Police posted a video of officers in Madrid working with FBI agents scouring wooded areas, canals, and streams looking for clues to find Ana Knezevich. The article noted that her estranged husband David Knezevich faces a kidnapping charge in connection with her disappearance. David was arrested last month after he returned to South Florida from Serbia and said he had nothing to do with her disappearance. Back to Top CAPITOL VIOLENCE NEWS The Proud Boys Are Back: How the Far-Right Group Is Rebuilding to Rally Behind Trump Reuters (06/03, Roston) reported that the Proud Boys, a far-right group, are reassembling with a changed structure following the legal repercussions of their involvement in the January 6, 2021, Capitol riot. According to the article, the group has been named by federal prosecutors as pivotal conspirators and leaders of the insurrection aimed at overturning Donald Trump's electoral defeat. In response to ongoing legal challenges, the Proud Boys have decentralized their leadership to reduce vulnerability to law enforcement actions. This strategic shift has led to a more fragmented organization consisting of self-governing chapters across over 40 states, with little central coordination. The article explained that despite these changes, the group remains a focus of concern for U.S. security agencies. The FBI, which identified the Proud Boys' significant role in the Capitol riot, alongside the DHS, has not publicly disclosed whether they are actively monitoring the group post-restructuring. The article added that the re-emergence of the Proud Boys at political events and rallies signals potential risks of violence as the next presidential election approaches. Their continued presence in the political landscape underscores the challenges of curbing extremist groups that adapt in response to law enforcement pressures. Additionally, the group's adaptability and persistent activity reflect a broader issue of domestic extremism that remains a critical concern for U.S. national security. "You can be as big a Proud Boy supporter as you want in this country as long as you're not planning criminal activity," said former FBI agent Mark Seyler, who investigated the Proud Boys before retiring at the end of 2021. But, he added, after the Capitol riots, "there would be no excuse this time not to take them seriously." Chicago Man Accused of Wielding Wasp Spray at Jan. 6 Capitol Riot Pleads Guilty Chicago Sun-Times (06/03, Seidel) reported that the FBI arrested William Lewis in November, and he has since pleaded guilty to a felony assault charge for his actions during the January 6, 2021, U.S. Capitol riot. According to the article, Lewis, accused of using wasp and hornet spray against police officers multiple times during the riot, is one of nearly 50 Illinois residents facing federal charges related to the attack. The article noted that he was identified through tips, as well as cellphone and credit card records, and is scheduled for sentencing on December 18 in Washington, D.C. The Chicago Tribune (06/03, Meisner) also reported on the story. Illinois Man Charged With Felonies Three Years After Jan. 6 Capitol Riot EFTA01655925 WLS (ABC-7) (06/03, Markoff, Tressel, et al.) reported that Lance Ligocki, dressed in an American flag suit, was charged with felonies three years after he attacked police officers with a pole during the January 6 Capitol riot. Identified by the FBI through social media, Ligocki became notorious under the hashtag "FullFlagSuit." The article noted that he was arrested in March, following a sealed indictment. "He was swinging, according to these allegations, swinging a pole at officers and that makes the difference between... a misdemeanor and felony," said former Chicago federal prosecutor and ABC7 Chief Legal Analyst Gil Soffer. "I think what sets it apart, at least from the least culpable offenders, is that there's violence involved." Three More Pennsylvania Men Arrested for Presence in Capitol During Jan. 6 Riots PennLive (06/03, Bergmuellerl) reported that the FBI arrested three men from York, Pennsylvania —Tyler Henson, Stephen Oseen, and Jamie Charlesworth—on May 30 for their involvement in the January 6, 2021, riot at the U.S. Capitol. The article explained that the trio faced charges typical for January 6 defendants, including entering a restricted building and engaging in disruptive conduct. According to the FBI, none of the men engaged in violence; they entered the Capitol through a broken window and remained inside for about an hour. The article noted that facial recognition software applied to body-worn camera footage helped federal agents confirm the identities and actions of the men during the riot. Supreme Court Won't Review Jan. 6 Prison Sentence for Infowars Host Courthouse News Service (06/03, Reichmann) reported that the Supreme Court declined to review Infowars host Jonathon Owen Shroyer's appeal to overturn his two-month prison sentence for his involvement in the January 6 Capitol riot. According to the article, Shroyer, who did not enter the Capitol or participate in violence, pleaded guilty to illegally entering a restricted area and argued that his conviction was a First Amendment violation. The article noted that despite his legal challenge, the Supreme Court did not provide reasons for rejecting the appeal, and there were no noted dissents or recusals in the decision. Oklahoma Army Veteran Admits Assaulting Offic